Polypharmacy: A Review of Adverse Drug Reaction, Interaction and Mitigation

Polypharmacy, which is defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications, is increasingly popular because older adults must manage multiple chronic conditions. Polypharmacy seeks solutions for complex health issues. However, polypharmacy is in fact associated with a heightened risk for adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions and also diminished therapeutic efficacy. This review puts together present data on the harmful results from polypharmacy. It stresses the impact from polypharmacy on pharmacology and patient safety. These adverse effects are supported by pharmacokinetic alterations with aging affecting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, and pharmacodynamics changes influencing drug-receptor interactions. The possibility of drug-drug interactions rises when patients use many drugs and drug actions get better or worse, while adverse drug reactions risk increases, and adverse drug reactions may cause increased healthcare costs plus hospitalization. Polypharmacy has consequences that are particularly pronounced in older populations for studies indicate the number of medications and adverse drug reactions correlate greatly. A study found adverse drug reactions were three times more frequent among people on polypharmacy than among those on fewer medications. Gastrointestinal disturbances and drowsiness are common adverse drug reactions of polypharmacy. Fatigue can be another common adverse drug reaction. Mitigation strategies include reviews of medication on a regular basis, they de-prescribe unnecessary medications, medicine approaches are personalized, patients are educated, coupled with clinical decision support systems being implemented. The interventions seek to lower the risk for adverse outcomes as well as improve medication adherence via optimizing pharmacotherapy. In conclusion, while polypharmacy is often necessary for managing complex health conditions, its associated risks necessitate vigilant monitoring and management. Adopting a comprehensive, patient-centred approach can mitigate the adverse effects of polypharmacy and improve patient safety and quality of life. This abstract provides a concise overview of the review article, highlighting the key aspects of polypharmacy's adverse effects and strategies for mitigation.